The 641 was a developed version of its predecessor, the 1989 Ferrari 640 designed by John Barnard. The updated 641 design was overseen by Steve Nichols, and was powered by a 3.5 litre V12 engine, first with the type 036, and later in San Marino with the updated 037. The car scored 6 wins in the 1990 season (Prost 5 wins, Mansell 1 win) Incorporating the semi-automatic gearbox developed during the previous season, the car was seen to be technically advanced. The aerodynamics were reworked and the chassis given a slightly longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Ferrari's major coup was signing reigning World Champion Alain Prost from McLaren to partner Nigel Mansell. As such, Nichols designed the car with Prost's smooth driving style in mind. A variable inlet trumpet system on the engine was tested throughout the season, but did not become standard equipment.